How HWS Supports International Students

HWS will be with you every step of the way, from preparing and filing paperwork, to picking you up from the airport, to helping you acclimate to life on campus.

Before arriving on campus:

HWS supports international students prior to their arrival by assisting with all visa related issues including the issuance of the I-20 form. By working closely with the offices of Admissions and Financial Aid, the international student adviser ensures smooth navigation through the complex process of obtaining the proper documentation to study here in the United States.

Day of arrival:

It has long been a tradition that when students arrive in the United States by themselves, HWS will provide transportation from the Rochester airport. In addition, the Office of International Student Affairs provides a small "goodie" bag with some great treats for the weary traveler as well as bedding and basic toiletries until the student can obtain his or her own. We then provide a very specific orientation for our new international students as well as U.S. students who have been living abroad. This comprehensive program takes place over a three day period and involves team building, a mini visa workshop, sessions on "what it means to study in the U.S.," understanding a liberal arts education, and some fun recreational activities to help you get acclimated. We will also bring the students shopping and assist them with any banking concerns.

After arriving on campus:

After orientation, the Office of International Student Affairs in cooperation with the Hobart and William Smith Deans offices, Intercultural Affairs and the Department of Residential Education, assists students in all facets of working, studying and living on our liberal arts campus. The Director of International Student Affairs serves as mentor, adviser, friend and confident to our international students. The office provides programming for the students both throughout the academic year as well as over breaks, as many international students remain on campus throughout the year. We also have a wonderful host family program for those students who would like additional support. We always encourage students to take full advantage of the breadth of curricular and co-curricular options available to all HWS community members. Our ultimate goal is to have all international students feel that they are fully a part of the greater HWS and Geneva communities.

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David Gage '91

Director of International Student Affairs David Gage graduated from Hobart in 1991 with a degree in English. While a student, he was a member of the golf team, served as Head Tour Guide and was a member of the Mountain Biking Club. Following graduation, he went on to earn a master's degree in higher education from the University of Maine, Orono. Gage also served as an associate director of admissions at HWS for several years.

Gage and his wife, Theresa, own and manage the William Smith Inn on Castle Street in Geneva. The couple renovated the historic home of William Smith and turned it into a bed-and-breakfast.